Zion Lutheran Church was founded in 1949 in Shawano, Wisconsin when seven people met to establish a new congregation. The fledgling congregation struggled in its early years but persisted through the determination of its members. Zion Lutheran Church has since grown to a baptized membership of 1,300 people and offers a variety of ministry programs and three worship services each weekend, including an outdoor summer service at a local park. The church is currently going through a transition as it searches for a new senior pastor to replace the one who recently retired after 27 years of service.

1. Zion Lutheran Church had its beginnings in Church in America (ELCA) and is a member
1949 when seven people met to lay the of the 142 congregation East Central Synod
groundwork for a new congregation in the of Wisconsin headquartered in Appleton.
Shawano Wisconsin area. On October 9,
1949, 49 persons met for the Among Zion’s many ministry programs are;
congregation’s first worship service in the men’s and women’s groups, missionary
rented Seventh Day Adventist Church in support, community outreach activities,
Shawano. Zion rented the tiny sanctuary for education and benevolences. Family
Sunday services and the Seventh Day education and youth activities are led by a
Adventists worshiped there on Saturdays. Minister of Family Life and Health Ministry
programs by our Parish Nurse.
Throughout the year three worship
opportunities are offered each weekend.
During the summer months an informal
outdoor worship service is available at
Shawano County Park and Campground
located on Shawano Lake.
This outdoor service began as an outreach
effort for campers, but has become popular
to many Shawano Lake residents and
The fledgling congregation struggled visitors as well as many others from the
through its early years. In 1951 the Mission area that simply enjoy the beautiful
Board of the Wisconsin District ordered outdoor setting…and the aroma from bacon
Zion to be closed because its slow growth and eggs cooking over nearby campfires.
did not meet expectations. The first
resident pastor stayed only six months. Zion is now going through a major
transition since the retirement of our recent
But the determination, perseverance and Senior Pastor of 27 years. This is a normal,
strong faith of a handful of members kept healthy process in such situations and is
the little congregation going. guided by an Intentional, Interim Pastor
From its humble beginning, and a number who also provides regular ministerial duties.
of building expansions, Zion has now grown This transition process, possibly extending
to a baptized membership of 1,300. over a year or more, involves the
congregation in self-examination and long-
Zion is one of over 10,000 congregations range planning in preparation for the calling
that make up the Evangelical Lutheran of our next permanent pastor.